May 4th, 2020- Kroger has announced the launch of an expanded Dairy Rescue Program, designed to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with its dairy cooperative suppliers and farmers across the Midwest, Kroger will process and donate about 200,000 gallons of additional milk to Feeding America food banks and community organizations through the end of August. The program is part of the companies Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative
“Kroger recognizes the growing need for fresh, highly nutritious food in our community, especially for children as schools remain closed during the pandemic to flatten the curve,” said Erin Sharp, Kroger’s group vice president of manufacturing. “At a time when dairy farmers have surplus raw milk, we’re doubling down on our mission to reduce hunger and waste.”
The Dairy Rescue Program is expanding on an existing partnership model between Kroger and its dairy cooperative suppliers to direct even more fluid milk — one of the most requested but harder to stock items at food banks — to food-insecure communities. Through the expanded program, during the pandemic dairy cooperatives will donate surplus milk normally sold to restaurants, schools, and hotels, while Kroger will donate the processing and packaging of the donated milk.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses like restaurants and hotels across the country to close, some of America’s farmers are left without buyers for their dairy supply,” said Heather J. McCann, director of public affairs for Dairy Farmers of America’s Mideast Area. “Kroger’s Dairy Rescue Program is an invaluable resource for the dairy industry during this crisis and beyond, helping distribute and process surplus milk to communities who need it the most.
